Senate OKs Nybo-sponsored Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act

In light of the growing number of mass shootings and perpetrators of senseless violence in the United States, State Senator Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) cosponsored a public safety measure known as the Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from self-harm or endangering others with a firearm—approved by the State Senate on February 28.

“In some cases of these tragic shootings we’ve seen, family members and people who knew the shooter, noticed signs of unstable or reckless behavior,” said Nybo. “The Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act creates an official process and outlet for anyone to speak up, identify and prevent a troubled individual from hurting themselves or committing a horrifying act. It’s my hope we can begin to stop future tragedies before they start.”

The legislation aims to help identify individuals who display signs of dangerous behavior and remove their access to firearms prior to a possible shooting. It also outlines suspicious behavior that may not be covered under traditional protective orders.

House Bill 772 establishes the Lethal Violence Order of Protection Act, which allows family members, acquaintances or law enforcement to petition the court to identify and issue an ex parte for an individual who poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to one’s self or another with a firearm. The Act will establish a number of factors and types of evidence that the court must consider before issuing a lethal violence order of protection.

“With help from the public in identifying dangerous individuals, this initiative allows for law enforcement to temporarily remove the shooter’s access to firearms until the court believed the threat is depleted,” said Nybo. “It’s a preventative measure that could save lives in Illinois.”

Following its approval by the Illinois Senate, the legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.